From May 26-28, 2016, more than 900 athletes and coaches from across Ontario, their families and 600 volunteers will make this three day, six sport event the largest provincial Special Olympics Spring Games to date. Featured sports will include swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, power lifting, basketball, 5-pin bowling and 10-pin bowling.

Special Olympics promote healthy, active and connected lifestyles for people with intellectual disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable populations in the world. They provide an introduction to sport and physical activity, offer daily training, local competition and the opportunity to participate in high-performance competition. These provincial, national and world games offer transformative experiences that bring out pride, courage and joy in athletes.

Guelph Police are proud to host the 2016 Special Olympics Spring Games. Police Chief Jeff DeRuyter explains: “The Guelph Police Service has been a proud member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run since its inception in 1987. The Torch Run is Special Olympics largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. It’s an event where officers and Special Olympics athletes run the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. Now the Special Olympics flame and the Games are coming to Guelph.”

For communities, Special Olympics Games show that every person can be an Olympian. They prove that human greatness is more about the spirit than the body and they inspire families and entire communities to join the celebration. The economic returns of an event this size and community profile provincially are also significant.

Led by the Guelph Police Service, in partnership with the City of Guelph, the University of Guelph and local organizations the games require significant community collaboration for events leading up to and including the three day event. Mayor Cam Guthrie is confident the Games will be an opportunity for the athletes and the city to shine. He said recently “Whether you’re an athlete, or a volunteering, or a visitor to our city, we guarantee you will have a fantastic time because we are preparing our city to welcome you in the best possible way.” Watch Mayor Guthrie’s welcome at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90KpdSkUEVU .

Games manager, Cst. Chris Probst says “there are a number of ways for people, teams, groups and organizations to get involved through sponsorship, volunteerism, adopting an athlete, raising awareness and attending the games. The Games Organizing Committee is in place and a call for volunteers will be made later this fall.”

Special Olympics Ontario is part of a dynamic worldwide charitable organization dedicated to promoting a more active life for people with an intellectual disability. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment — on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsontario.com